Disclaimer: Please see chapter eighteen.

A big thank you to Katy.

Chapter Nineteen

Legolas did not get far; he managed to get only a few words out when the words stopped abruptly.

"Legolas? What is wrong?" It was then that Estel noticed that his friend's eyes were strangely blank. He got no answer as before he could do anything Legolas' eyes rolled into the back of his head and he began to fit once more.

Thranduil could only watch horrified as his only child suffered once more. With the twins help they managed to control the seizure and settled the Prince once more.

"I thought that once the pressure on his brain eased they would stop." Estel's voice was disconsolate.

"He may continue to have them for the rest of his life. They may stop; the messages in his brain are still very muddled from his injury and will need time to settle back to normal. Until then he will continue to have them." Elrond's quiet thoughtful voice made them all jump; they had been concentrating completely on Legolas.

"He may continue like this?" Thranduil's horror was clear. He had never heard of any Elf having seizures like this.

"It is a possibility, yes. Equally he may never have another. At this stage there is little we can do." Elrond closed his eyes against the pain in his leg. A goblet was placed in his hand and he found Elrohir standing over him. He raised an eyebrow.

"For the pain you are trying not to feel." His sons tone was stern. Oh, yes they were definitely enjoying this just a little too much. He sat drinking the tea thinking of all the bitter nasty tasting herbs he could make to get his own back.

He had to admit as the pain calmed down that Elrohir had been right in his observations. He had trained his sons well.

Midday came and with it Mithrandir. He checked the young Prince before moving to the fire and easing himself into a chair. Once settled he took out his pipe and began filling it with absent minded air around him. Looking up he noticed Elrond's glare and returned the pipe to its place on his staff. He turned to Thranduil.

"Would it be possible for you to let us know just what the attacks were on Legolas, to make you think the only option was to send him here?"

Every one looked up startled, until know no one had thought to ask. To be truthful they had not really had that much of a chance between crises.

"Yes, it is only right that you should now. It began about a month ago….

Flash back

It was a hot sunny day and Thranduil really wished he could get out of the stuffy formal robes he had to wear in court. He and Legolas had arranged to go riding for the morning; for once a rare quiet day had presented itself. Unfortunately that had all changed after the morning meal.

A big problem had arisen between two Elves in the settlement just north of the Palace had put paid to their plans and Legolas had decided to go riding alone. This in its self was not an unusual occurrence. What was unusual was the feeling of unease that had settled itself into Thranduil's stomach the minute Legolas had passed from his sight.

The feeling had only increased as the morning had progressed. He has not had this feeling in a long time, a very long time. In fact not since…

Even after all these years the pain of loosing his beloved wife still hurt deeply. He had been lucky that day in one respect. He had almost lost his only child as well. He had come so very close to fading that it made Thranduil shudder just to recall it. He had Elrond to thank for bringing Legolas back to him. A debt he would never, ever forget neither on Middle Earth nor in the Havens.

His brought his mind back on the meeting. Having been told it was extremely important and a case of 'life or death' as the village elder had put it, it had in fact turned out to be incredibly boring and he longed to be with Legolas.

The door opened and one of his advisors stepped into the audience hall and made his way to his side. Every one in the room halted and looked to their King and his Advisor, all knew it must be a matter of utmost urgency if the King was disturbed like this.

"My Lord, Captain Loromaire has asked to see you, he says it is important and pertains to Prince Legolas." The Advisor had turned his back to the halls occupants and had spoken so softly only Thranduil was aware of what had been said.

"I will join him, take him to my study." The Advisor bowed and hurriedly left the hall.

Thranduil turned to the Elves in front of him. "If you would please excuse me, I think this would be an ideal time to take a break for the noon day meal, some thing of great importance has come to my attention that I must see to immediately. We will beet back here in two tolls of the bell."

The Elves whose 'important and potentially life threatening' problem was the cause of this meeting certainly did not look happy, but a far as Thranduil was concerned that was their affair, if it had something to do with Legolas and Loromaire thought it important enough to bring to his attention while he was in council, then nothing else mattered.

They bowed as their King left the chamber with out waiting for a word of protest.

Thranduil left decorum behind, the knot that he had felt growing all morning was causing his stomach to knot. He hurried down the corridor to his study. Entering he was pleased to see his Captain ready and waiting for him.

"Loromaire, what has happened?" Thranduil made himself calm down, he could do nothing if he was not calm.

"Sire." Loromaire gave a deep bow and when he stood Thranduil noticed his grim countenance. "I have received some news, I thought you might…" A loud noise from outside interrupted and they both moved to the window.

Thranduil's heart almost stopped right there and then. There was a horse surrounded by Elves. Even from the study they could here the frantic call for a healer, but it was not that that caused Thranduil the nearest thing to a heart attack that an Elf could get. Oh no, it was not that.

The horse belonged to Legolas.

Without thought the two Elves crossed the room and were just about to reach the door when the advisor who had spoken to Thranduil earlier rushed in.

"My Lord…"

"I know we are on our way. Tell Maollrina and his party that the meeting for the day is finished, they will have to return on the morrow."

"Of course, Sire." He left the room with them but they soon parted ways.

Thranduil and Loromaire hurried outside to the excited group around Shadow, they parted to let the two Elves through. Legolas was no where inside and Thranduil's heart thumped even more if that was possible.

"Prince Legolas had been taken through to the Healing Halls, my lord." It was an Elleth who if she had her way would be his daughter in law. Thranduil would never admit it not even to Legolas but he was glad Legolas avoided contact with her at all times. Beautiful as she was, she was extremely vapid with no personality what so ever. Legolas would pass over the sea through boredom if he were to marry her.

He took the time to thank her with a small sigh and they made their way to the Healing Halls. They could hear the commotion even before they got to the main healing chamber. Loromaire exchanged relieved looks; it could not be too bad if Legolas was already arguing the need to be there.

They entered the room to find Legolas sitting with his chest bare on a pallet, arguing with the head healer.

"Please, your Highness, this needs cleaning and stitching, it will only take a minute I promise and then you can go."

"I will keep you to your word on that!" Legolas gave a hiss as the healer began cleaning the wound.

"Legolas, what has happened?" Thranduil moved to his son's side.

"Some one attacked me in the forest. I did not even get to see their faces."

"How many of them were there?" Loromaire's voice was urgent.

"At least five that I counted. If it had not been for Jolenta's patrol, I dread to thing what would have happened. They managed to get me just as the patrol arrived. I have no idea why they would attack me." Legolas did not know whether to be angry or intrigued at this attack.

"Loromaire, please make certain that a search of the forest takes place. I would like to know who these people are and the reason for this assault. You wanted to speak to me?"

"Aye, my Lord, but this may not be the best place."

"Meet me back in my study as soon as you organise the search. Legolas and I will be there." He was moving around the pallet to get a look at the wound.

"As you command, Sire." Thranduil's attention was on Legolas as the Captain left the chamber.

Thranduil could not help but wince as he took in the wound. It was high on the left shoulder and was jagged as if the assailant was moving away and just trying to cause as much damage in as little time as possible. That had probably been the exact point.

Thranduil waited patiently as the wound was cleaned and stitched, a layer of Aloe Vera placed over the top and then dressed.

"It will be sore for a few days and I suggest you do not move it as you would normally. Pulling on your bow will cause pain and pull on the stitches. I would hope not to see you here again, until the stitches are due to come out." The healer gave a wicked grin, they all knew their beloved Prince only to well and one thing they could predict was that would see him sooner rather than later.

Thranduil laughed at this comment and helped Legolas put on the tattered, blood stained tunic. Once decent they made their way to Thranduil's study.

Loromaire was waiting patiently for them and he gave a small smile at seeing Legolas upright and moving of his own accord.

"How are you feeling?" He could not stop him self from asking.

"Sore, but other wise alright." Legolas returned the small smile.

"You needed to speak with me, Loromaire?" Thranduil was all business.

"Yes, my Lord, I was approached by an Elf from the furthest village on the North; he had over heard some of the villagers talking. He did not hear much, but what he did hear sent him straight to me." He took a deep breath.

"It appears that there is a plot to kill you, Legolas, he had no idea when, how or why. I would suggest that the fact you have already been attacked means that what he has said is true. Thank the Valar that they failed."

Silence filled the room for long moments. It was broken by Legolas. "Kill me? But why?"

"That we need to find out, Ion-nin. I would like to speak to your contact, Loromaire, can that be arranged?" Thranduil's voice was thoughtful.

"Of course, leave it with me."

"Legolas, I do not want you leaving the Palace with out an escort until we find out what is going on." he held up a hand to halt the protests he knew all to well his son would make. "You are not being coddled, I just do not wan t you to be an easy target. Please, for my peace of mind?" Thranduil was pleading and he knew it.

"If it pleases you, Adar, of course." Legolas hated having his father worrying about him; it seemed to happen far to often.

"Good, thank you. I will rest easier, Loromaire can you arrange for Legolas to be discreetly followed? I do not wish to make these assassins aware that we know about them just yet."

"Of course. Do not worry we will find out what is happening." He gave both Royals a deep bow and left the room.

End Flashback

"That was the first we knew about this problem. Until then Legolas would have been a sitting target. Loromaire tried to organise a meeting with this mysterious Elf, but he seemed to vanish. No one in the village had any idea as to who he was looking for. So that was one more problem added." Thranduil sighed, gently stroking Legolas' limp hand.

"You found absolutely no clues as to who he was or where he came from?" Glorfindel's quiet voice asked.

"No, to all intents and purposes, he never existed. Loromaire was thorough in trying to find him; it was a waste of time."

"What happened after that?" Elrond needed to know more as did Mithrandir.

"Well, Legolas continued to be guarded…"

Flashback

Legolas had to admit the guards Loromaire had selected to watch him were good. Of course, he had taken his own warrior training with a few of them and as such he knew exactly what to expect of them and to know exactly where they were. It was uncomfortable to be constantly watched, but he tried to get on with his every day life. His own patrol had been withdrawn until their leader could take his place with out fear of others being hurt.

He had decided that if he could not look for Spiders or Orcs he would help with the novices and their training. Today just happened to be archery, not that that was the reason he had chosen today to help. It was pure coincidence as he had explained to his father at the morning meal. His father's wide smile told Legolas his excuse had been seen right through. He could never hide the truth from his father.

So here he was on a morning that was slightly misty, waiting for the novices and their tutor. Gelaren had greeted him cheerfully; pleased to see his most successful pupil waiting for them. The Elfling's looked at him in awe. He may not be able to shoot his own bow but he could help instruct them.

The lesson went well and both tutors felt that they had taught the Elfling's a lot this day. Nothing of note happened until they were making their way back to the Palace.

They were all laughing, if any thing the adoration of their Prince had grown during the morning. Legolas was regaling them with a tale of his friends from Rivendell, when a sound stopped his chatter. Without warning there was a whoosh as an arrow flew from one of the trees. Legolas pushed the Elfling's to one side, not thinking of himself, he just did not want them in the way.

Gelaren already had his bow knocked and was shooting in the direction the arrow had come from. He heard a thump from beside him as arrow found flesh. He turned still at the ready to find all the Elfling's safely out of harms way. Legolas was stood right arm tightly holding the upper arms of his left. The arrow had found a target.

Silence fell as the warriors guarding Legolas appeared from no where.

"We have him, my Lord, Gelaren's arrow was true and my knife hit home as well. I am afraid he will be unable to give us any information. You are hurt, my Prince, we will take you all back to the Palace."

It was a subdued group that started on its way once more, some of the Elfling's were too shocked to speak, and others could not help crying. Legolas tried to reassure them that he really was alright and that no lasting harm had been done to his arm.

His father was waiting at the door of the palace for him. One of the Elves had been sent ahead to warn him that another attack had taken place.

The healer form just yesterday was waiting by Thranduil's side a grin firmly in place as she saw her patient.

End flash back

"Luckily the wound was only minor. It took us some time to calm the Elfling's down enough to send back to their parents. Legolas was just as upset that they had been upset. The assailant has never been identified. He was a complete stranger. The colours he wore came from none of our realms. It was as if he had never existed before." They could all hear the frustration.

"It was decided that night that the best thing would be to send Legolas to you. I thought it would be safest. We both thought that if he left in the middle of the night and with just one guard, no one would be the wiser. We were obviously wrong. We met Mithrandir just after we passed over the Misty Mountains. He has never explained how he came to be there."

All attention turned to the wizard. "I had a feeling I was needed here and so I came. Just in time I might suggest."

"Let me guess: A wizards is neither late but exactly when he should be?" Estel could not help but tease.

"Something like that, Estel." Mithrandir's eyes were sparkling in the candle light. "The situation as it stands is this. We still have no idea who is after Legolas nor do we know why. They are also Elves but not from any of the three realms. They were also watching him enough to know when he left Mirkwood." Thranduil nodded at this.

"It is good you have guards on watch. I believe we may yet receive another attack…"

The sound of running feet stopped the Maia's musing's. The door opened to reveal Erestor.

"Elrond, a huge band of Orcs have been spotted heading towards us. Andechoriel reports that they are at least two hundred strong and they have Wargs."

Elrond winced as he tried once more to push him up in his bed. Elrohir moved to help him. "When were they sighted?"

"Two hours ago, he sent a scout ahead to warn us." Erestor tried to calm his racing heart.

"Good. It gives us chance to make some plans. The first thing is to call in all warrior's; we will need all we can get. Thranduil…"

"My men are at your disposal, small band though they are." Thranduil wished he had thought to bring more than the twelve Elves he had with him.

"Thank you, they will be of great help." More than a great help Elrond could not help but think. They were at least used to fighting Orcs and Wargs.

"Ada, I will join the warrior's, if you agree?" Elladan could not stand by and watch his people go into battle.

"I do not think I have that much choice, Ion-nin. Glorfindel will you go with them? I would like my sons to return to me, if it is possible. Estel, Legolas needs you here. I would rather he did not know about this just yet as he can do nothing to help." His head ache was beginning to thump again.

"I will go as well. I may be able to offer a lot of help against these beasts." Mithrandir looked eager to meet these Orcs.

"Haldir, I would like you to stay with us. Between Thranduil and Estel that should be enough to guard Legolas. This could just be a coincidence but…." Elrond left the thought unbroken.

The air was tense as they all moved to ready themselves for the up coming battle. Both Elrond and Estel found themselves praying to the Valar to protect their family. All they could do was wait and hope.

To be continued

Thank you once more for all the reviews.

Replies:

Shadow Fox777: I hope you have a wonderful holiday and come back nice and relaxed.

Silvertoekee: Glad you liked Legolas' mood swing. I am trying to make this as realistic as I can so thank you. As to the Elves? All will be revealed, I promise.

Iccle fairy: Yay! Schools out as well as university's!!!! We can all celebrate!!! Glad you are continuing to enjoy this.

Deana: you liked Elladan getting the soup? I actually had it happen to me some time ago with a patient with a bad head injury; it kind of seemed the thing that Legolas would do. Here is chapter 19, I hope you enjoy it!

Gemini969: neither would I want to be in Estel's shoes! More to come…

Until next time, my friends, take care!

Shell

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